Obituary for Tonya Marie Alford (Balentine)

 

Tonya Marie Alford (Balentine), aged 66, of Denton, TX, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 4, 1957, in Borger, TX, to Wes and Freda Balentine, Tonya's vibrant spirit and joyous nature touched all who knew her.

 

On August 16, 1980, she married Gary Preston Alford, and together they shared a life full of love and adventure for 43 years. Tonya was a devoted mother to her two children, Tiffany Buck and Preston Alford. Her role as a grandmother to Jude, Pax, Blake, and Lochlan Buck brought her immense joy and pride.

 

Following her retirement, Tonya's passion for travel saw her exploring new destinations in her RV alongside her beloved husband and their dogs, Remi and Pepper. An active life enthusiast, she relished playing all sports, particularly pickleball, and cherished the moments spent with her family and friends. Throughout her life, Tonya's deep faith in God guided her actions and brought her immense comfort.

 

Tonya's legacy continues through her husband, Gary Alford; her daughter, Tiffany and her husband Joe Buck of Plano, TX; her son, Preston and his wife Jacey Alford of Ardmore, OK; her grandchildren; her parents, Wes and Freda Balentine of Borger, TX; her sister, Cathy McKinney and her husband, Mark McKinney of Granbury, TX; her sister Michele Balentine of Fredericksburg, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

A come and go Celebration of Life will be held at the Robson Ranch Wildhorse Grill from 4:30 - 6:30 on Sunday, April 28, 2024, and graveside services will be held from 9:00 - 9:30 am on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the DFW National Cemetery, with Jay Don Rogers officiating. Please be at Lane #4 by 8:45am to ensure an on-time arrival, as the National Cemetary adheres to strict timeframes for services. Tonya’s life will be celebrated by all those she has left behind, as they honor her memory and the enduring mark she left on their hearts.